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THE story of Ronda’s deep connection to Hollywood begins with a local legend: Cayetano Ordoñez (‘El Niño de la Palma’).
Born in poverty, the gypsy grew up to earn his nickname from his cobbler’s father who used a palm leaf (La Palma), as a clever shop sign, for an illiterate audience a century ago. When Cayetano achieved fame, he bought the finca, ‘El Recreo’, just outside Ronda.
‘El Recreo’ was eventually passed down to his son, the great matador Antonio Ordoñez. Antonio was close to Ernest Hemingway, and later Orson Welles, a cinematic legend. Both Americans were massive fans of the bulls and became frequent, honoured guests at the finca, which has remained in Ordoñez hands ever since.
Welles was immediately drawn to the rich cultural traditions of Europe. He had conquered Broadway at 25 and wrote, directed and starred in Citizen Kane, a film that is still considered by many as the best ever made. Hollywood had shattered his spirit by the 1950s & 1960s. His enormous weight made it difficult for him to fight against studios, critics and himself. Spain became his refuge.
Ronda was his quiet retreat, despite being a social lion around the globe. At El Recreo, he found genuine respite, eating, drinking, and laughing with the Ordoñez family away from the pressures of the American film industry.
Spain, with long dinners, traditions that are steadfast, and respect for all, was a family chosen by him.
Welles, who died suddenly in 1984, had written down his wish: He wanted his ashes to be sprinkled into the finca well in Ronda.
The wish came true. To this day, the well at El Recreo remains known as the ‘Pozo Orson Welles’. This brilliant, complex figure, who had conquered cinema and caused a panic with The War of the Worlds, chose to rest eternally in little Ronda, finding his final peace among sun-kissed evenings in the heart of the Serranía.
Travel News by The Olive Press.
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